KATHMANDU: The government has said no formal decision has been taken to remove squatters in the Kathmandu Valley, despite preparations reportedly initiated by Prime Minister Balen Shah.
Speaking while making public recent Cabinet decisions on Thursday, government spokesperson and Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sasmit Pokharel clarified that the Council of Ministers has not approved any such move.
“No decision has been made by the Cabinet regarding the removal of squatters,” Pokharel said. “As far as we are aware, the government has not taken any concrete decision on this matter.”
His remarks come a day after reports that Prime Minister Shah had summoned security chiefs and instructed them to proceed with clearing squatters on Saturday and Sunday.
According to sources, there have been discussions within government circles about relocating squatters in Kathmandu to temporary lodging facilities. However, officials maintain that no official policy decision has yet been endorsed by the Cabinet.
The issue of managing squatters in the Valley has remained politically sensitive, with concerns over housing, rehabilitation, and humanitarian considerations continuing to shape the debate.
Comment